Michael Joseph Jackson (born August 29, 1958) is an American musician and entertainer. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene at the age of eleven as a member of The Jackson 5. Jackson began a solo career in 1972 while still a member of the group. In the early 1980s, Jackson became a dominant figure in popular music as the first African-American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. Referred to as the "King of Pop" in subsequent years, five of his solo studio albums have become some of the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).
The popularity of his music videos airing on MTV, such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and Thriller—credited for transforming the music video into an art form and a promotional tool—helped bring the relatively young channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" kept Jackson a staple on MTV into the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced numerous hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists.
The entertainer has donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his Dangerous World Tour, charity singles and support of thirty-nine charities.[1] However, other aspects of his personal life have generated significant controversy; his plastic surgery, lightening skin tone due to vitiligo and eccentric behavior have damaged his public image. He was accused of child molestation in 1993, although the matter was settled out of court. Jackson then married twice and fathered three children; all of which caused further controversy. In 2005, Jackson was tried and later acquitted of further molestation allegations and several other charges. He has been the subject of long-term financial difficulties and health concerns.
Jackson is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. His awards include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for Thriller as the world's best-selling album—thirteen Grammy Awards, thirteen number one singles in his solo career—more than any other male artist after the creation of the Billboard Hot 100—and the sale of over 750 million units worldwide. Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, has made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades.